Cat Teeth Brushing: Is it Really Needed?

Do you have a cat? Have you ever considered brushing your cat’s teeth? Is this something you really need to worry about, or is it something you can skip?

As a cat owner, it’s important to keep up with all your cat’s physical and hygiene needs. Brushing her teeth is just one of the many ways you can take care of your feline friend. It is necessary to brush your cat’s teeth often, and there are several reasons why.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common benefits your cat can enjoy from regular teeth brushing. Read on to find out more.

Freshen Breath

One of the most common benefits of regular tooth brushing for cats is fresher breath! Chances are good that your cat has bad breath, even if it just smells like the food and treats that she regularly consumes. And if your cat has never had her teeth brushed before, her bad breath may be related to health problems as well.

Brushing your cat’s teeth, even just once per month, can help improve the smell of her breath. If you find yourself avoiding cuddles with your cat because you can’t deal with the smell of her breath, try brushing her teeth to see if that helps.

Reduce Risk of Dental Infection

Dental infections may range from infections of the gums to infections of the roots of the teeth, and they may include many other types of problems too. All of these kinds of dental infections can be prevented or significantly reduced by brushing your cat’s teeth.

If your cat is showing signs of dental infection, you may be able to catch the problem before it gets out of hand if you check her mouth every time you brush her teeth. Getting into a routine of tooth brushing with your cat can help you deal with problems before they worsen.

Reduce Risk of Tooth Loss

Cats who go their whole lives without ever having their teeth brushed are likely to lose their teeth, especially as they get older. However, if you keep up with brushing your cat’s teeth regularly—and if you have her teeth cleaned professionally now and then as well—you can help her retain her teeth throughout her life.

Tooth decay is also common in cats who do not have their teeth brushed. Tooth decay can be very painful and can lead to a host of other health problems as it progresses. You can prevent this problem by cleaning your cat’s teeth, too.

Reduce Risk of Heart Disease

Just like humans, cats who have bad teeth are more likely to suffer from heart disease than those who don’t. If your cat’s teeth go a long time without being brushed, they will develop plaque, which causes bacterial buildup on the surface of the teeth.

Over time, this bacterial buildup finds its way into your cat’s bloodstream through the teeth and gums. From there, it can quickly travel to the heart and other organs, leading to disease in a short time. You can significantly decrease your cat’s risk of heart disease by keeping her teeth brushed often.

Reduce Risk of Oral Cancer

Although some cats may experience oral cancer regardless of their dental hygiene, you can help your cat reduce her risk of this disease by keeping her teeth clean and brushed. Additionally, regular tooth brushing sessions allow you to check your cat’s mouth for signs of problems, which can lead to early detection and better treatment too.

If your cat has already been diagnosed with oral cancer, it is still important to keep up with brushing her teeth. However, you will need to talk to your vet about finding the right hygiene routine for your pet, as some tooth brushing tools may cause pain.

Reduce Pain

Some cats who suffer from gum disease, oral infection, or tooth decay experience a lot of pain. This pain may keep them from being able to eat normally, and it might lead to aggression or fearfulness as well.

By keeping up with your cat’s tooth brushing needs, you can reduce the risk of her suffering due to dental problems. Your cat is more likely to lead a healthier and happier life when her teeth are clean and well cared for.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a lot of ways your cat’s health and wellness may improve from having her teeth brushed regularly. For most cats, brushing once a month is enough; however, your vet may recommend more frequent brushing sessions for your cat, depending on her lifestyle and overall health.

If you have any more questions or concerns about your cat’s dental health and hygiene, talk to your vet for more information. Your vet can help guide you toward the right dental wellness management for your cat based on her specific needs and requirements. If you are in the Atlanta area please visit any of our locations to schedule a teeth cleaning appointment.